In 1994 I was diagnosed with celiac disease, which led me to create Celiac.com in 1995. I created this site for a single purpose: To help as many people as possible with celiac disease get diagnosed so they can begin to live happy, healthy gluten-free lives. Celiac.com was the first site on the Internet dedicated solely to celiac disease. In 1998 I created The Gluten-Free Mall, Your Special Diet Superstore!, and I am the co-author of the book Cereal Killers, and founder and publisher of Journal of Gluten Sensitivity.

By Scott Adams

Published on 07/26/1996

Lactose intolerance is frequently
a side effect of celiac disease. Celiacs who eat gluten beco

Lactose intolerance is frequently
a side effect of celiac disease. Celiacs who eat gluten become
lactose intolerant after the villi and microvilli in their small
intestine become damaged, and are no longer capable of catching
and breaking down the lactose molecule. The problem usually
disappears when celiacs remove gluten from their diet, which
allows the damaged villi and microvilli to grow back. Lactose
intolerance symptoms can continue for a long time after a celiac
has gone on a 100% gluten-free diet. In some cases the villi
and microvilli damage can take up to two years to heal completely,
but in most cases it takes between six months and a year. Most
people who are lactose intolerant can usually eat goat and sheep
(feta) cheeses without any problems.